Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Edo State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a kidnap syndicate in Benin, Edo State.
The police also killed one alleged accomplice during operations linked to the abduction of a woman at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road, Benin City.
The command said the arrests followed investigations into the June 14 kidnap incident, which occurred while the victim was shopping at the market with her husband and children.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said operatives of the Intelligence Response Team launched the coordinated operation on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.
According to the police, the first breakthrough came on June 18 when officers arrested 32-year-old Marvelous Isaac during a gun battle. Another suspect identified simply as Precious was killed during the exchange.
The statement read, “Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, and acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Edo, launched a coordinated operation which led to the arrest of one Marvelous Isaac, male, 32 years, on 18/6/2026 in a gun duel while another suspect identified simply as Precious (surname unknown) was neutralised in the process.”
Police said items recovered during the operation included a Lexus RX 350 SUV allegedly used in the kidnapping, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, N2.05m in cash and a motorcycle.
Further operations conducted on June 20 led to the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Gift Raphael, Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael in Benin City and parts of Delta State.
The statement added, “All suspects have made confessional statements linking them to the incident and other criminal operations within the state.”
The police commissioner commended the operatives for their professionalism and assured residents that efforts would continue until all criminal elements involved in the case are brought to justice.
The command also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
The kidnap drew widespread attention after a video circulated online showing a witness recounting the incident. “Today, for the first time, I witnessed someone being kidnapped,” the woman said in the footage.
